Systems and Methods For Vertebral Body and Disc Height Restoration

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for assisting in the height restoration of a collapsed vertebral member, such as a vertebral body or a disc. The systems can include one or more modular spacers that are capable of being positioned within the vertebral member on their anterior and/or posterior surfaces, or on their superior and/or inferior surfaces. The methods can include forming an incision through the vertebral body and inserting one or more modular spacers through the vertebral body in a stacked configuration. The one or more modular spacers can provide a structural framework within the vertebral member and can help restore the height of the collapsed vertebral member. A bone filler material, such as a bone cement, can be injected within and around the modular spacers.

1 . A method for height restoration of a vertebral member comprising:
 forming a first access hole through a vertebral member;   inserting one or more modular spacers through the first access hole to restore height of the vertebral member;   forming a second access hole through the vertebral member; and   inserting one or more modular spacers through the second access hole to restore height of the vertebral member.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vertebral member comprises a vertebral body. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vertebral member comprises a disc. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least two modular spacers are placed through the first access hole to restore height of the vertebral member. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein at least two modular spacers are placed through the second access hole to restore height to the vertebral member. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the at least two modular spacers are stacked against each other within the vertebral body. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more modular spacers through the first access hole are positioned against the vertebral member on a superior and/or inferior surface. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more modular spacers through the first access hole are positioned against the vertebral member on an anterior and/or posterior surface. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first access hole is formed through a pedicle of the vertebral member. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first access hole is formed outside of the pedicle of the vertebral member. 
     
     
         11 . A method for height restoration of a vertebral member comprising:
 forming a first access hole through a vertebral member;   inserting at least two modular spacers through the first access hole to restore height of the vertebral member and create a structural framework within the vertebral member; and   injecting bone filler material into the vertebral member.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first access hole is formed through the pedicle. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least two modular spacers are stacked in contact with each other. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein at least three modular spacers are inserted through the first access hole. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least two modular spacers have a width of between about 1 mm and 11 mm, and a length of between about 5 mm and 90 mm. 
     
     
         16 . A method for height restoration of a vertebral member comprising:
 forming a first access hole through a vertebral member;   inserting at least two modular spacers through the first access hole to restore height of the vertebral member and create a structural framework within the vertebral member, wherein the at least two modular spacers are in contact with each other within the vertebral member; and   injecting bone filler material into the vertebral member.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first access hole is formed through a pedicle of the vertebral member. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first access hole is formed through an outer surface of a disc space. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising inserting a cavity creation instrument through the vertebral member to form a cavity therein before inserting the at least two modular spacers. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the cavity creation instrument comprises one or more blades.